Teaching English Online to Chinese Students

China was once the undisputed epicenter of the online ESL world. Teachers from around the globe flocked to platforms like VIPKid, Qkids, and Magic Ears, lured by consistent bookings, structured lessons, and eager young learners. But in 2021, sweeping education reforms banned private tutoring for K–12 students by foreign teachers — shaking the industry and forcing many companies to shut down or drastically restructure.

And yet, the story didn’t end there.

The appetite for English learning in China hasn’t disappeared. Parents still want their children to become fluent. University students still need speaking practice. Professionals still aim to improve their global communication skills. What’s changed is how and where those lessons now take place.

Instead of the big-name Chinese platforms dominating the market, today’s teachers are connecting with Chinese students through global marketplaces, restructured companies, and indirect platforms that continue to serve China’s massive demand for English instruction — often in creative or less visible ways.

This guide is for teachers who want to work with Chinese students from anywhere in the world. Whether you're just starting out or looking to shift after a platform closure, there are still many legal, stable, and rewarding ways to teach English online to learners in China.

🌐 Can You Still Teach Chinese Students Online?

Yes — but the landscape has changed.

Since China’s 2021 crackdown on private tutoring, most foreign teachers can no longer legally teach young Chinese students through mainland-based companies. The policy specifically targeted after-school education for students in grades K–9, aiming to reduce academic pressure and protect children from excessive screen time and foreign influence.

This wiped out major platforms like VIPKid’s original model, Qkids, and others that relied on structured, one-on-one classes with children. Thousands of teachers were suddenly left without work. But the demand? Still massive.

Here’s what’s changed — and what hasn’t:

❌ What’s No Longer Allowed:

• Teaching Chinese children through companies headquartered in China that offer K–12 tutoring
• Working with Chinese clients without company restructuring or local compliance

✅ What’s Still Possible:

• Teaching adult learners in China — including university students and professionals
• Connecting with Chinese students through non-Chinese platforms like Preply, italki, and AmazingTalker
• Working via apps and companies that restructured their business models to comply with Chinese law (e.g., Magic Ears switching to training programs or hiring only for adult education)
• Teaching privately through referrals or social media, as long as you stay compliant with platform and local laws

Some companies, like Palfish, have split into different services — keeping teacher-student messaging or offering informal chat options. Others simply moved operations abroad or pivoted to focus on non-K–12 demographics.

So yes, you can still teach English to Chinese students online — but you need to be selective, savvy, and up to date with how each platform navigates compliance.

🏢 Best Companies for Teaching Chinese Students Online

Even after the 2021 crackdown, several companies continue to serve Chinese students — either by shifting their models, focusing on adult learners, or operating through compliant international structures. Below are some of the most active China-based or China-focused platforms in 2025, along with how to improve your chances of getting hired and booked.

China-Based or China-Focused Platforms

BlingABC

• Pay: $20–$27/hr
• Students: Young learners aged 5–12
• Requirements: Degree required, TEFL mandatory, 1+ year teaching experience, must be able to work Chinese peak hours
• Notes: Operates under strict compliance with local law; often recruits teachers for group classes aligned with school partnerships
• How to Stand Out: Showcase high energy, group-class experience, and professional presentation; highlight classroom management skills and consistency in attendance
• Apply here

ZebraEnglish

• Pay: $16–$24/hr
• Students: Children aged 4–12
• Requirements: Bachelor's degree required, TEFL certification, native speakers only
• Notes: Known for its structured curriculum and strong tech platform; hiring is competitive and not always open
• How to Stand Out: Emphasize a fun, clear teaching style and experience with younger learners; include keywords like “phonics,” “reading comprehension,” and “parent feedback”
• Apply here

Magic Ears

• Pay: $18–$26/hr
• Students: Ages 4–12
• Requirements: TEFL required, associate’s degree accepted (for U.S./Canada citizens), native English speakers only
• Notes: Previously paused hiring but relaunched with updated policies; operates mostly via group classes and short-term bookings
• How to Stand Out: Show enthusiasm, be camera-ready, and keep your profile Beijing-time friendly; upload a video in daylight with energy and clarity
• Apply here

iTutorGroup

• Pay: $18–$25/hr
• Students: Adults and children
• Requirements: Bachelor’s degree, TEFL certification, 1 year experience
• Notes: One of the few platforms still serving both kids and adults; bookings can be inconsistent and are influenced by student ratings
• How to Stand Out: Market yourself for adult learners in China (business English, test prep); highlight your schedule availability in Beijing time and stable internet
• Apply here

TutorABC

• Pay: $8–$15/hr
• Students: All ages, especially professionals and teens
• Requirements: Degree required, TEFL and experience preferred
• Notes: Related to iTutorGroup; operates with similar tech but typically lower pay; onboarding is slower
• How to Stand Out: Position yourself as a professional or exam-prep specialist; fluent classroom pacing and clear enunciation are key
• Apply here

Palfish

• Pay: $10–$22/hr
• Students: Mostly young learners (China-based), mobile-first platform
• Requirements: TEFL required, no degree needed for informal chat roles
• Notes: Previously more open, now selective and unpredictable; the “Official Kids Course” requires approval and mock classes
• How to Stand Out: Upload a vibrant intro video with Mandarin subtitles or phrases, keep your availability aligned with Beijing evenings/weekends, and engage with students via the app to build following
• Apply here

51Talk

• Pay: $18–$22/hr
• Students: Primarily K–12 learners in China
• Requirements: Bachelor’s degree required, TEFL mandatory, teaching experience preferred
• Notes: Still active by operating through a Philippine-based structure for foreign teachers; hiring mainly from Southeast Asia and parts of Africa
• How to Stand Out: Mention any experience with Chinese students, availability during China’s peak hours (6–9 PM Beijing Time), and include Mandarin keywords in your intro to signal cultural familiarity
• Apply here

These platforms still offer access to Chinese learners, but competition is higher, and policies can change. To increase your chances:

• Tailor your profile for Beijing Time peak hours (6–9 PM weekdays, weekends)
• Add keywords like “Cambridge,” “phonics,” “HSK,” or “English for Chinese speakers”
• Keep your intro video polished, professional, and warm — parents often make the booking decision

If you're willing to adapt and present yourself well, there’s still a place for you in the Chinese ESL market.

Global Platforms with Many Chinese Students

While not based in China, these global tutoring marketplaces attract a large number of Chinese learners — especially adults and parents seeking 1-on-1 English support for their children. They offer more flexibility than traditional Chinese companies and often allow teachers to set their own rates and availability.

Preply

• Pay: Set your own (typically $10–$35/hr)
• Students: All ages, including Chinese children, teens, and adults
• Requirements: No degree required, TEFL preferred, open to non-native speakers
• Notes: Very active user base from China and Taiwan; teachers manage their own curriculum and bookings
• How to Attract Chinese Students: Highlight Mandarin keywords (e.g., “口语,” “考试英语,” “发音”) in your profile, open slots during Beijing evening hours, and list trial classes at a competitive rate
• Apply here

Italki

• Pay: Set your own (often $10–$30/hr)
• Students: Mostly adults; strong presence of Chinese students seeking conversational English and test prep
• Requirements: No degree required, TEFL optional, native or near-native fluency expected
• Notes: One of the most popular platforms for independent teachers; you build your own brand within the marketplace
• How to Attract Chinese Students: Offer packages with names like “Business English for Chinese Professionals” or “Prepare for IELTS with a Native Speaker,” and tag lessons in Mandarin
• Apply here

AmazingTalker

• Pay: $16–$100/hr (you set your rate; platform takes ~15%)
• Students: All ages; many Chinese students including working professionals and high schoolers
• Requirements: No degree required, 1 year experience preferred, open to non-native speakers
• Notes: Popular across Asia; auto-matching algorithm favors active and responsive teachers
• How to Attract Chinese Students: List lesson types like “English for Chinese Learners” or “Pronunciation Correction for Mandarin Speakers”; upload demo videos with Chinese subtitles
• Apply here

Classgap

• Pay: Set your own (typically $12–$30/hr)
• Students: Global; includes some students from China and Hong Kong
• Requirements: No degree required, TEFL preferred, open to all nationalities
• Notes: Spain-based platform with increasing visibility in East Asia
• How to Attract Chinese Students: Add a lesson option for “Conversational English for Chinese Speakers” and keep your timezone aligned for Beijing afternoons/evenings
• Apply here

Cambly

• Pay: $10.20/hr (Cambly), $12/hr (Cambly Kids)
• Students: Mostly adults, but includes motivated Chinese learners looking for informal conversation practice
• Requirements: No degree or TEFL required; native speakers only
• Notes: On-demand system allows for instant tutoring; many Chinese learners book late-night or early-morning chats
• How to Attract Chinese Students: Include Mandarin greetings or phrases in your profile video; mention availability during China’s peak times
• Apply here

Engoo

• Pay: $2.80–$10/hr (varies by country)
• Students: All ages, with strong demand from East Asia
• Requirements: No degree required, TEFL preferred, open to non-natives
• Notes: Materials provided; teachers are matched automatically with students
• How to Attract Chinese Students: Since bookings are assigned, focus on maintaining high ratings, punctuality, and professionalism to boost priority placement for Chinese learners
• Apply here

These platforms don’t just give access to Chinese students — they let you build a more sustainable, independent teaching career. By aligning your hours, lesson titles, and profiles with what Chinese learners and parents are looking for, you can stand out in a crowded market and build long-term clients.

🧰 What It Takes to Attract Chinese Students

Chinese students — and their parents — are known for being selective when it comes to online English teachers. The market is competitive, but if you position yourself well, you can stand out and build a strong client base.

⭐ Reputation is Everything

Trust plays a huge role. Parents often rely on reviews, ratings, and word-of-mouth to choose a tutor. Many platforms display star ratings and written feedback — so once you get started, delivering consistent, engaging lessons is key. Go the extra mile with lesson summaries, encouraging messages, and follow-ups. Even a handful of glowing reviews can make a major difference.

🇨🇳 Add Mandarin to Your Profile

You don’t need to speak fluent Chinese, but including a few Mandarin keywords in your profile can help parents find you. For example:

• 口语 (“spoken English”)
• 发音 (“pronunciation”)
• 少儿英语 (“children’s English”)
• 考试准备 (“exam prep”)

You can use these terms in your bio, lesson titles, or even subtitles on your intro video to signal that you specialize in helping Chinese learners.

🕒 Be Online at Peak Times

The most popular times for lessons in China are:

• Weekday evenings (6 PM – 9 PM Beijing time)
• Weekend mornings to afternoons (9 AM – 5 PM)

If you’re in a Western time zone, this might mean early mornings or late nights — but showing availability during these peak hours makes it much easier to get booked regularly.

🎯 Offer the Right Kind of Lessons

Chinese learners often look for help in specific areas:

• Pronunciation correction (especially for common Mandarin-English sound issues)
• Test preparation (PET, KET, IELTS, TOEFL)
• Grammar coaching (with clear explanations and examples)
• Conversational English (for daily life, study abroad, or work)

Tailor your lesson offerings to match these needs, and make sure your class descriptions clearly communicate the benefits.

By optimizing your profile and availability, you’ll position yourself as a teacher who understands the needs of Chinese students — and that’s exactly what will help you thrive in this market.

💡 Tips for Teaching Chinese Learners

Understanding your students’ cultural background and learning expectations can go a long way in creating a smooth, productive classroom. Chinese learners — especially young students — often come with specific habits, communication styles, and educational norms that differ from Western classrooms.

🎎 Respect and Classroom Etiquette

Respect for teachers is deeply ingrained in Chinese culture, especially among children. Students are usually quiet, attentive, and eager to please — but this doesn’t always mean they understand everything. It’s common for them to nod or say “yes” even when confused, simply out of politeness. As a teacher, it's important to check for real comprehension through follow-up questions, demonstrations, or visual cues.

👋 Use of TPR and Visual Aids

Total Physical Response (TPR) is a cornerstone of effective online teaching for younger Chinese learners. This means using exaggerated facial expressions, hand gestures, and body language to communicate meaning. It’s especially useful when students are shy or when there's a language barrier.

Visual aids like flashcards, props, and digital images can help clarify vocabulary and keep students engaged. Many parents expect a dynamic, interactive teaching style — even if the student is just four years old.

🌟 Praise and Positive Reinforcement

In many Chinese homes, academic achievement is a top priority. Parents appreciate teachers who are encouraging but also goal-oriented. Use praise often (“Good job!”, “High five!”, “Excellent sentence!”) to build student confidence. Smiling, celebrating progress, and showing warmth will go a long way — especially with beginners.

📱 Tech Expectations and Tools

Chinese learners (and their parents) are incredibly tech-savvy. Many lessons are accessed via mobile apps rather than laptops, and it’s common for teachers and parents to communicate outside class via platforms like WeChat. Be prepared for:

• Mobile-first setups – Keep your lesson format clean and clear.
• Digital whiteboards – Learn to annotate and use online visuals efficiently.
• Short attention spans – Especially with kids, vary your activities every few minutes.

Being familiar with these tools and adapting to mobile-friendly platforms will help you meet students where they are — both figuratively and literally.

Teaching Chinese learners is rewarding, but it requires a thoughtful, culturally aware approach. When you combine patience, positivity, and smart classroom tactics, you'll build lasting student relationships and consistent bookings.

🚫 Cautions and Grey Areas

While there’s still strong demand for online English tutors in China, it’s essential to understand the legal and logistical risks that have emerged since the 2021 crackdown on for-profit tutoring.

⚠️ The Risk of Tutoring Through Banned Channels

Some teachers continue to work with former students using VPNs or unofficial platforms. While tempting, this comes with serious risks:

• You could be violating Chinese regulations if you tutor minors via foreign platforms not approved by the government.
• Payment issues may arise, as direct transfers from Chinese clients can be blocked or flagged.
• If you're caught using or promoting banned tutoring apps, your account could be shut down or your earnings frozen.

🔐 Focus on Legal, Sustainable Alternatives

The safest way to continue teaching Chinese students is to work through:

• Adult-focused platforms (like Cambly, Preply, or iTalki)
• Marketplace platforms that don’t target Chinese children specifically
• Global ESL companies that happen to have many Chinese clients but are not China-based

This not only protects you from legal or financial complications but also builds a more resilient long-term career.

💸 Payment and Platform Caution

Avoid receiving direct payment from Chinese parents unless you:

• Have a registered business (offshore or otherwise) that can legally invoice them
• Use a secure, non-Chinese payment processor (e.g., PayPal, Wise, Stripe)

Also, be wary of Chinese intermediary “agencies” offering you students in exchange for a cut — especially if they require WeChat-only communication or refuse to disclose full details upfront.

🌐 Don’t Rely on a Single Market

China may be one of the most lucrative ESL markets, but it’s also volatile. Sudden policy changes have already shaken the industry once, and it could happen again. Smart teachers diversify:

• Work across multiple platforms
• Target students from Latin America, Europe, and Southeast Asia
• Build a reputation in niche areas like test prep or business English

Teaching Chinese students online is still possible — and profitable — but it’s no longer the simple gold rush it once was. With the right precautions and a flexible strategy, you can tap into this market without putting your career or finances at risk.

📌 Final Thoughts

Teaching English to Chinese students online hasn’t disappeared — it’s just evolved. The demand remains incredibly strong, especially from families and adult learners who value quality instruction. What’s changed is how teachers need to access that demand.

Success now comes down to strategy and adaptability:

• Choose platforms that legally serve Chinese students or attract them indirectly.
• Build a profile that speaks to their needs — especially availability during peak hours and clear value in areas like pronunciation, fluency, or test prep.
• Avoid risky or gray-area setups that could jeopardize your income or professional reputation.

Most importantly, don’t put all your energy into one market. Even if you love working with Chinese students, diversify. Latin America, Eastern Europe, and Southeast Asia all offer growing opportunities.

That said, Chinese learners remain some of the most respectful, hardworking, and consistent students you’ll meet. If you can meet their expectations and navigate the current landscape wisely, there’s still plenty of room to build a thriving teaching career with this audience.

👉 Learn More About Teaching English Online